Buying Macbook 17-inch

[BobNL]

Hello,

I currently have a Windows laptop, and although it has been working fine for my since 2012 I have been using OS X on my hackintosh the last couple of months, and have started to really enjoy using OS X.

Since I use my laptop mostly at school, I have always been a fan of the bigger screen sizes. My current laptop is a 17.3'' Sony laptop. I classmate of mine has a last generation before retina MBP 15''. I really love it, but the screen is just two small for me. I want the bigger screen.

I'm planning to buy a second hand 17" MBP since Apple does not make them anymore, getting the complete checkout version, upgrading the RAM to 8GB, and installing a Samsung 850 PRO SSD.

My question is, from time to time I hear that certain models of Macbook Pro's have some (grapich) problems, is that also true for the last gen pre retina models?

Thank you,

Bob

 

[T5BRICK]

Yes, the 2011 models had the Radeon GPUs that are having problems.

http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...4-17-late-2011-unibody-thunderbolt-specs.html

They are covered under a repair extension, but even with that, I would avoid these models.

https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/

 

[BobNL]

It makes no difference if I get a early 2011 model? I really want SATA 6GB/s to take full advantage of my SSD.

 

[yjchua95]

It makes no difference if I get a early 2011 model? I really want SATA 6GB/s to take full advantage of my SSD.

All 2011 (early and late) 15" and 17" models have the Radeongate issue. The ones from 2010 also have NVIDIAgate.

 

[Cuniac]

I did have to get my 2011 serviced for that issue but it was free of charge.

 

[maflynn]

I'd stay away from the 2011 model as stated, its not a question if it will fail but when.